VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (letter).

Morning after

September 16, 2001|By Randy Mitchell.

Oak Park — Wednesday morning came after all. But everything else was changed. Walking to the train station, I passed countless American flags that had been in storage only the day before. On board the train, the usual morning chatter was replaced by a mournful silence.

Crossing the Loop, many eyes were downcast and solemn. The Daley Center was circled defiantly by a ring of Illinois State Police cars. And we all found ourselves glancing nervously toward our landmarks, making sure they truly were still standing.

If I didn't know better, I would have thought Chicago had been attacked too.